Deciding to take your toddler to Walt Disney World is a big deal for a lot of people. Is it worth going all that way when your little one may not remember much about it? And most importantly, will there be enough rides and attractions for them to enjoy?
Well I have great news for you! Disney World is full to the brim of activities for kids of all ages, and there are a ton of rides that are especially designed with pre-schoolers in mind.
Here are my top ten best rides and attractions for under-fives:
Peter Pan’s Flight
(Magic Kingdom – New Fantasyland)
Fly over London with Peter Pan on-board a magical pirate ship! This classic ride is one of the Magic Kingdom’s most popular and usually has a long queue, so you might want to use your FastPass.
‘it’s a small world’
(Magic Kingdom – New Fantasyland)
Sail through 7 continents of colourful singing and dancing dolls who represent all the people of the world, making you realise that we are all just the same through the eyes of a child. Warning: The catchy song will be stuck in your head for the rest of your holiday!
Aladdin, Dumbo & Astro Orbiter
(Magic Kingdom)
OK I’m cheating a bit, these are actually 3 separate rides, but although each one has a different theme, they are all up-and-down spinning rides. Children love flying through the air, and each ride gives you a great view over the different lands of the Magic Kingdom!
The Seas with Nemo & Friends
(EPCOT – Future World)
Jump on board your “Clamobile” and visit scenes from the Finding Nemo movie as you help Marlin and Dory to find Nemo!
The Barnstormer
(Magic Kingdom)
Fly over Storybook Circus with Goofy on this junior coaster which is thrilling enough for older kids too!
Journey into Imagination with Figment
(EPCOT – Future World)
Little ones will love travelling through Dr Channing’s Sensory Labs with the help of Figment, the little purple dragon. Watch out for those funny smells though!
Grand Fiesta Tour featuring the Three Caballeros
(EPCOT – World Showcase)
Enjoy the sounds and sights of Mexico on this gentle boat ride as you try to find Donald Duck. The Mexican pavilion is great fun to explore too, with its night-time theming.
Rafiki’s Planet Watch
(Animal Kingdom)
Meet the farm animals in the Affection Section petting zoo, and learn about taking care of animals in the Conservation Station. The Habitat Habit is an educational and fun self-guided tour where the whole family can find out how they can help with conservation and saving our planet.
Disney Junior Live on Stage
(Animation Courtyard – Hollywood Studios)
This is a lovely live show with pre-schoolers’ favourites from the Disney Junior channel. They will love to sing and dance along, with a few fun surprises along the way.
Muppet*Vison 3D
(Streets of America – Hollywood Studios)
As you would expect, this is a mad-capped show full of hilarious antics and sing-along numbers that every member of the family will enjoy. The Muppets give you more than a few surprises that are sure to delight your youngster!
And of course don’t forget to meet the Disney Characters!
I will never forget the look on my daughter’s face the first time she met Mickey aged just 2½ years old. That one amazing moment made the entire trip worth it!
There are loads of opportunities to meet the Disney characters at the parks; Character meet & greets can often have long queues, so if you don’t think your little one will have the patience to wait in line – and you want to save your FastPasses for the rides – character dining is a great option. “Play ‘n Dine” at Hollywood & Vine in Hollywood Studios and “Chef Mickey” at the Contemporary Resort are always a big hit with smaller children.
More Toddler Tips from the Disney Mum:
Ways to meet the characters at Disney World
The 5 best Disney Character Dining experiences
Where to meet the Disney World Princesses!
The best rides for under 5s in Orlando
How to keep your child entertained on the flight to Florida
The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique: A mum’s review
Share